Farewell To Northland

I returned home to Hamilton on the fifth day of my Road Trip up north, having driven 1500 kilometers by myself.  I had a marvelous time and it made some lovely memories.

I crossed from Paihia to Russell on the Opua Car Ferry, a four minute trip across the Bay but a long way round if I had tried driving.

At Russell in the Bay Of Islands

A peaceful view in Russell

Pompallier House is situated in Russell, but it was still closed when I visited (I was too early in the morning!).  It has the reputation of being New Zealand's oldest Roman Catholic building, oldest rammed earth building, and oldest industrial building (it was once used to run a printing press).

Pompallier House, Russell

The Anglican Church at Russell was established in 1836 and claims to be the oldest church in New Zealand.  Services are still held here every Sunday.

Anglican Church at Russell

Not far from Russell was Long Beach, a sleepy little cove with houses and holiday homes dotted among pohutukawa trees and nikau palms.

Long Beach, near Russell

I made the decision to travel down the east coast scenic route instead of the main highway.  The road was tar-sealed all the way but full of twists and bends - I almost felt like a rally car at times!

There were several small bays to drive past, a lot with homes, but no easy access to any of them until I reached Oakura where I found a shady tree to sit beneath and eat my lunch.

Many of the bays looked similar to this one below.

Looking out over Elliot Bay

From Oakura I headed back to the main road and straight for home, via the Northern Toll Road, the Southern Motorway, and the Waikato Expressway.  It was a long hot drive with only a few stops, and I was glad to reach home safely.

Tunnels on the Toll Road

When something offers that you would enjoy doing - just do it!
Margaret